December 7th, 2021

Region of Waterloo Public Health has declared COVID-19 outbreaks at Southridge Public School in two class cohorts at the school.

Public Health’s investigation has determined that two student cases previously reported, are linked to an earlier case in two respective student cohorts. The identity of the individuals is protected by privacy legislation and will not be shared.

No additional staff or students are required to isolate. Public Health has completed their assessment and no further close contacts have been identified. The school will remain closed until January 3, 2022.

Public Health is treating every single case of COVID-19 as a potential variant of concern before a variant is identified. As a result, our public communication will indicate only that a positive case has been identified. For all cases of COVID-19, Public Health is conducting enhanced case and contact management.

STAFF RESOURCES

Please continue to self-screen (using the COVID-19 School Screening Tool) and monitor your health daily, practice hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and other infection control and prevention measures. If you experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19, access the COVID-19 Self-Assessment on the Public Health website and follow the direction given. Please visit the COVID-19 Health, Safety and Wellness Handbook for WRDSB Staff for guidance, wellness resources and information.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Please continue to monitor and screen your child for symptoms of COVID-19 daily. In accordance with guidance from the Ministry of Education, the Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 page will be updated on an ongoing basis with information regarding confirmed cases of COVID-19 involving a student or staff member in a school setting. For more information about COVID-19, please visit the Region of Waterloo Public Health website.